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Malaysia emerge ESPN Junior X champs
MUMBAI: The Asian X Games VI and ESPN Junior X Games V presented by Toyota in Kuala Lumpur, saw Malaysia in exemplary form with the Bicycle Stunt final being completely dominated by the Malaysian team taking gold, silver and bronze. Athletes demonstrated their skills in sports like the skateboarding, aggressive inline skating and bicycle stunt riding.
Sponsors’ booths were seen as an added feature where the likes of Toyota, Adidas, Hotlink, Malaysia Airlines, Milo, KFC and Pizza Hut, 100 Plus, Astro, Rakan Muda, Warner Music and organizer ESPN were giving away free gifts, games and selling merchandise.
The event also included live concerts at the interactive village featuring performances by homegrown renowned local talents including OAG, Pop Shuvit, Love Me Butch, Dragon Red and Reshmonu, amongst others.
The action now moves to the Asian X Games VI also presented by Toyota in Kuala Lumpur for the third consecutive year, from February 19 to 22. Also supporting the event are Channel [V], Warner Music and the Mines Resort while it is promoted and organised by ESPN International and ESPN STAR Sports.
ESPN will be airing the Asian X Games VI presented by Toyota to more than 140 countries and territories around the globe, according to an official release.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
